Soccer is a growing sport in Canada, especially among women and girls. According to the Canadian Soccer Association, more than 350,000 registered female players are in the country, making up 41% of all soccer participants. Canada also has a successful women’s national team that won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics and reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. But what about the club level? What are some of the most famous women’s soccer clubs in Canada? In this article, we will explore some of the top teams and leagues that offer women’s soccer in Canada based on their history, achievements, and fan base.
Professional and semi-professional leagues
As of 2022, no professional or national women’s soccer leagues exist in Canada. However, some Canadian clubs compete in professional and semi-professional leagues in the United States. The most notable ones are:
- CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps: These three clubs are part of Major League Soccer (MLS), North America’s top-tier men’s professional soccer league. Women’s teams also play in MLS Next Pro, a new second-tier company launched in 2022. MLS Next Pro aims to provide a pathway for young female players to develop and showcase their talents. The three Canadian clubs have some of the country’s best facilities, coaches, and resources, attracting many talented players from across Canada and abroad.
- FC Manitoba, Thunder Bay Chill, and Vancouver Vixens: These three clubs are part of USL League Two, a fourth-tier men’s semi-professional soccer league in North America. Women’s teams play in the same league, which is open to both genders. USL League Two offers a competitive environment for college and amateur players who aspire to play at higher levels. The three Canadian clubs have strong connections with their local communities and provide opportunities for female players to gain exposure and experience.
- FC Berlin and Chantilly Forever: These two clubs are part of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), a fifth-tier men’s semi-professional soccer league in North America. Women’s teams play in the same league, which is open to both genders. UPSL offers a diverse and inclusive platform for players from different backgrounds and skill levels. The two Canadian clubs are based in Ontario but play their home games in New York State due to travel restrictions.
Regional pro-am leagues
Three regional pro-am leagues offer women’s soccer in Canada. These leagues are sanctioned by their provincial soccer associations and operate independently from each other. They are:
- League1 Ontario is Canada’s oldest and largest regional pro-am league, founded in 2014. It has 18 women’s teams that play a regular season from May to October, followed by playoffs and a championship game. League1 Ontario aims to bridge youth and professional soccer and develop elite players, coaches, and officials. Some of the most successful teams in League1 Ontario are Oakville Blue Devils, Vaughan Azzurri, FC London, and Durham United FA.
- Première ligue de soccer du Québec: This is the second-oldest regional pro-am league in Canada, founded in 2015. It has ten women’s teams that play a regular season from May to September, followed by playoffs and a championship game. Première ligue de soccer du Québec strives to promote high-performance soccer and support Quebecois players’ development. Some of the most successful teams in Première ligue de soccer du Québec are AS Blainville, CS Mont-Royal Outremont, CS Longueuil, and Dynamo de Québec.
- League1 British Columbia: This is Canada’s newest regional pro-am league, founded in 2022. It has eight women’s teams that play a regular season from April to August, followed by playoffs and a championship game. League1 British Columbia aims to provide a pathway for female players to reach their full potential and showcase their talents. Some of the most successful teams in League1 British Columbia are TSS Rovers, Nautsa’mawt FC, Altitude FC, and Whitecaps Academy.
Conclusion
Women’s soccer in Canada has come a long way since its inception in 1922. Today, many clubs and teams offer women’s soccer at various levels and disciplines. Whether tackled, flag, touch football, or the traditional 11-a-side soccer, women and girls have many opportunities to play and enjoy the beautiful game. The most popular women’s soccer clubs in Canada compete in professional and semi-professional leagues in the United States or regional pro-am leagues in Canada. These clubs have the best players, coaches, facilities, and fans in the country, representing Canadian soccer’s diversity and excellence.
Originally posted 2023-09-19 18:46:44.
